2nd Test: Tickner shines as NZ dominate Day 1
What's the story
New Zealand took the honors on Day 1 of the second Test against West Indies at Wellington's Basin Reserve. Blair Tickner took four wickets before getting injured as the visitors were folded for 241 batting first. Unfortunately for the Kiwis, Tickner later suffered a suspected shoulder dislocation while fielding near the boundary. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital. Meanwhile, the hosts ended the day at 24 runs without the loss of any wickets.
1st innings
Tickner delivered a stunning spell
Tickner's injury came as a major blow for the Kiwis, who had already lost Matt Henry and Nathan Smith in Christchurch. Before his exit, Tickner had been instrumental in dismantling the West Indies batting line-up. He was well-supported by debutant Michael Rae, who took three wickets. Their efforts meant the West Indies could only manage 205 runs before being bowled out. Glenn Phillips and Jacob Duffy trapped one batter each.
Match details
West Indies's strong start and New Zealand's comeback
The West Indies started strong with Brandon King (33) and John Campbell (44) putting up a 66-run opening stand. However, Tickner turned the tide in New Zealand's favor by dismissing King LBW on review. Shai Hope (48) and skipper Roston Chase (29) were the only other WI batters to cross the 20-run mark. Notably, West Indies had lost their last six wickets for just 29 runs.
Tickner
Second Test four-fer for Tickner
Tickner, who last played a Test in March 2023, claimed 4/32 from 16 overs in his latest outing. As per ESPNcricinfo, this was his second four-fer in the format, and also his Test figures. With this spell, the 32-year-old has raced to 16 wickets across four Tests at 29.18. Overall in First-Class cricket, Tickner has raced to a tally of 277 wickets from 91 matches at 33-plus (4W: 17, 5W: 6).
Debutant
Three wickets for Michael Rae on debut
Tickner's injury comes as a major blow to New Zealand's bowling attack, which was already missing the services of Matt Henry and Nathan Smith. Despite the setback, debutant pacer Michael Rae stepped up to support Tickner with an impressive performance of his own, claiming three wickets for 67 runs (18 overs). Playing his 70th FC match, Rae has raced to 211 wickets at 32-plus (4W: 8, 5W: 3).
Match progress
New Zealand's response to West Indies's innings
Responding to WI's first innings total, the home team ended Day 1 at 24 without loss in their response. Captain Tom Latham and Devon Conway were at the crease with Latham on seven not out and Conway on 16. The second Test is a part of a three-match series, with the first Test in Christchurch ending in a draw.